Eyelid Surgery – The Results are Eye-Opening!
Payam Saadat, MDThere’s no question droopy or puffy eyelids age a person and lend them a tired appearance. Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove the excess fatty deposits and loose skin giving that impression. By improving the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, you’ll end up looking considerably more rested and alert.
Healthy adults with no serious eye conditions are good candidates for this rejuvenating procedure. Blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia – meaning the area around the eyes is numbed – along with oral or intravenous sedation. The surgery usually takes one to three hours depending on whether you are having both upper and lower lids corrected.
On the upper lids, an incision is made following the natural line of the eyelid crease. Excess fat is removed, muscle and tissue tightened, sagging skin trimmed. The incisions are then closed with very fine sutures. On the lower lids, an incision is made just below the lower lash line. In a similar manner, excess fat is removed and sagging skin trimmed. Alternately, a transconjunctival incision, one hidden inside the lower eyelid, may be done in situations where only fat deposits need addressing and no skin removal is necessary.
You can expect some bruising and swelling following eyelid surgery but any discomfort can be controlled with pain medication. Stitches will be removed two days to a week afterwards and most people feel ready to go out in public in seven to ten days. You’ll be capable of reading or watching television in a couple of days but more strenuous activities like exercise should be postponed for about three weeks.
The healing process following eyelid surgery is gradual but the results are long lasting and for certain conditions permanent. Amaze yourself and others with the refreshed youthful look you can achieve through this relatively simple procedure.